Training Hints/Advisory Information

Extensive research shows regular passive, rhythmical training for 10 min or longer once or twice a day with the REHAmoto is necessary to achieve the following short-term achieveable goals.

  1. Becoming more mobile after getting up
  2. To ease spasms or high muscle tone
  3. To be able to empty and control a full bladder
  4. To warm up the legs prior to sleep.
  5. Improve walking ability

Note:

Active training before going to bed could make falling asleep more difficult. Passive training only to warm the legs & feet is recommended.

The following long-term therapy goals may be achieved with 15-30 minute training sessions 1-3 times a day if approved by your therapist/doctor.

 

  1. Improved walking security
  2. Increased walking endurance
  3. Muscle strength
  4. Circulation
  5. Cardio-vascular functions
  6. Oedema

Suggestions

Allow the muscles to relax with 5 minutes of passive training before training actively. Cycle actively for short periods with a low resistance setting if residual muscle strength is available. When you relax, the REHAmoto will automatically revert to passive operation. Don’t over-exert yourself. Know your limit!

Note:

You will achieve more by training at lower resistance over a longer period of time rather than using a higher resistance over a short period of time. You may find a higher speed of 25-30rpm works better for you than the default speed of 20rpm.

With many neurological illnesses (Stroke – MS – Parkinson) it is possible to maintain or partly build up muscles by active training. This is not possible with Muscular Dystrophy.

Important:

It is recommended that training should be done both forwards and backwards. After active training use passively for 3-5 minutes to relax your muscles.

Training benefits on MS users

There is now strong evidence that exercise can improve fitness and function for those with mild MS, and assist in maintaining function in those wtih moderate to severe disability. Several different of exercise programs, lasting from six to 15 weeks, have been investigated, including both facility and home-based routines.

These studies have shown that exercise therapy increases muscle strength and endurance, exercise capacity, decreases fatigue and improves quality of life (Annales de Reedaptation et de Medcine Physique, 2007;50:373-376). Many MS experts view exercise therapy as a cornerstone treatment alongside drugs, and advise that it be perfromed continaully to maintain and restore maximum function and quality of life.

Many people with MS, however, still limit their physical activity because they fear exacerbating their symptoms. In fact decreased physical activity results in deconditioning and reduced fitness, which inevitably results in an increase in symptoms.

 

-Cardiovascular or aerobic exercise: MS patients have been shown to significantly improve their cardiorespiratory fitness and walking capacity in as little as eight weeks of an aerobic exercise programs using a stationary bicycle. (Physical Therapy, 2007;87(5):545-555).

-Resistance Training: Resistance (strength) training increases strength and function to tolerate daily activities, thus reducing fatigue.

-Flexibility exercises: Stretching may increase joint mobility, counteract the effects of spasticity, and maintain posture and balance. Current consensus recommends stretching daily for all major msucle groups, including the shoulders and hips.